Bowel disease: Caring for your ostomy

What is an ostomy?
An ostomy is a surgical procedure. When a part of the digestive system is diseased or damaged and not able to function normally, a hole is made in the abdomen and a portion of the small or large intestine is brought to the surface of the skin. This opening is known as the ostomy, and the end of the exposed intestine is known as the stoma. A colostomy and an ileostomy are cared for in a similar manner with similar products.
See an illustration of the large intestine .
See an illustration of the small intestine .
See an illustration of a colostomy stoma .
When you have a colostomy or ileostomy, waste leaves the body through the stoma, the end of the intestine that is attached to the abdominal wall, instead of the anus. Since there is no muscle around the stoma, you are not able to control when waste or gas passes out of the body. An odor-proof plastic pouch (an ostomy pouch) surrounds the stoma to collect the waste. It is held to your skin with an adhesive. Pouching systems may be one-piece or two-piece.
In a two-piece system, the pouch and barrier (sometimes called a flange or wafer) are separate. The pouch contains a closing ring that attaches it to the barrier. This is generally a snap ring, similar to those found on food-storage containers. The barrier fits around the stoma and sticks to your skin.
In a one-piece system, the pouch and barrier are a single unit.
See an illustration of a colostomy pouch .
Other accessories may include:
Curved (convex) barriers, which conform better to some abdomens.
Ostomy belts, which help support the pouch.
Pouch covers, which conceal the pouch.
Skin barrier paste, which fills in folds or skin irregularities of the abdomen to form a better seal.
Skin wipes or powders, which protect the skin under the barrier and around the stoma.
Tape, which supports the barrier and is used for waterproofing.
Tape remover, which makes removing the pouch easier.
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Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: October 24, 2006
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology
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